DOT Compliance Doesn't Have to Be This Hard
49 CFR 391 requires carriers to maintain complete driver qualification files. DQVisor tracks every requirement so you don't have to.
The Regulatory Landscape: 49 CFR Part 391
Part 391 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations establishes the minimum qualifications for drivers of commercial motor vehicles. It specifies exactly which documents must be in a driver's qualification file and when they must be renewed.
Employment Application
A completed, signed application for every driver. Must include specific employment history and violation disclosures.
Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
Annual MVR from each state where the driver held a license in the past 3 years. Must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
Annual Review of Driving Record
A documented annual review comparing the driver's MVR against their certification of violations.
Certification of Violations
Each driver must annually certify all violations from the previous 12 months — or certify they had none.
Road Test Certificate
A certificate showing the driver passed a road test (or equivalent — e.g., a valid CDL issued after a driving skills test).
Medical Examiner's Certificate
A valid medical certificate from a listed examiner on the National Registry. Must be renewed every 2 years (or more frequently based on conditions).
DQ File Maintenance
The carrier must maintain a qualification file for each driver containing all of the above documents. Files must be available for inspection.
How DQVisor Keeps You Compliant
CDLIS MVR Verification
Starting in 2026, FMCSA requires carriers to verify CDL driver medical certification status through the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS) MVR. This means an additional document to obtain and track for every CDL-holding driver in your fleet.
DQVisor is already built to track this new requirement. When you add a CDL driver, the system automatically flags the CDLIS MVR as a required document and monitors its status alongside your existing DQ file documents.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
$1,100
Minimum fine per missing or incomplete DQ file document
$16,000
Maximum fine per violation for pattern of non-compliance
$5,000+
Typical settlement for multiple DQ file violations at audit
See all DQVisor features, read our complete DQ file guide, or learn about FMCSA audit preparation.
Get DOT-compliant with DQVisor
Request access and we'll show you how DQVisor simplifies 49 CFR 391 compliance for your fleet.